ASHRAE Audit Level 2
ASHRAE Level 2: Energy Survey and Analysis
The ASHRAE Level 2 audit is a more detailed analysis of a building's energy use and can include the findings of a previous ASHRAE Level 1 audit. During a Level 2 energy audit, all practical measures that meet the owner's constraints and economic criteria are identified and analyzed for savings and cost. Key facility staff is interviewed in-depth to gain a better understanding of operational strategies and any existing problem areas in the building systems. Architectural, mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings are reviewed, and a detailed energy report is provided. This report includes energy usage patterns, recommended energy efficiency measures, corresponding economics, and implementation guidelines. Research is also conducted to determine available utility rebates and incentives that are applicable for the suggested efficiency measures, and an economic analysis is performed based on simple payback. The level of detail and financial analysis in an ASHRAE Level 2 audit provides sufficient information for facility staff to justify energy-efficient project implementation.
The ASHRAE Level 2 audit is a more thorough and detailed process that requires proficiency and careful thought to produce a high-quality audit report. This level of audit provides a complete description of the facility, including an inventory of all equipment, a detailed energy balance, a breakdown of the energy savings and costs associated with each low-cost and not-cost measure, a financial analysis of each recommended measure, identification and rough estimates of capital project costs and savings, as well as a recommended measurement and verification plan for each proposed measure.
The Level 2 audit is typically recommended for larger buildings. It strikes a balance between maintaining engineering precision and keeping audit expenses reasonable. While the Level 3 audit offers greater accuracy, its added cost may not be justified.
We often perform ASHRAE Level 2 audits for clients who are seeking LEED-EB status. ASHRAE Level 2 audits are worth 2 points (LEED-EB Credit 2.1, Option B) and are sometimes selected by our clients as it is less expensive than Retro-Commissioning (LEED-EB Credit 2.1, Option A).
The ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit is a widely available and popular type of energy audit that can help evaluate and develop most energy projects. This type of audit is useful for assessing lighting measures and controls, basic HVAC measures, motor upgrades (including variable frequency drive applications), replacement of energy-inefficient equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, building envelope measures, renewable energy options, and more.
ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit is a comprehensive analysis that involves a detailed inspection of the mechanical systems and facility, along with a closer examination of the utility bills. It requires a more rigorous analysis compared to a Level 1 Energy Audit and provides both qualitative and quantitative data on the recommended measures for implementation cost, savings, payback, and life-cycle costs. We offer two types of ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audits.
- The Level 2 (GAEP) is an energy audit that estimates energy savings using generally accepted engineering practices. Its calculation methodology is spreadsheet-driven, and it relies on ASHRAE handbooks and other accepted industry standards for most formulae and calculations. We refer to this audit as our ASHRAE Level 2 Commercial Energy Audit. The cost of this audit typically ranges from $1,800 to $5,000 depending on the size of the building.
- The Level 2 (ASEAM) option utilizes software developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It uses a modified bin methodology and a basic DOE-2 format to perform a whole building simulation. To create a computer model of a facility, extensive data is collected on-site, including the annual utility usage and weather files specific to the location. The computer model is tested, revised, and modified with energy-saving measures to determine their impact. The data generated from the computer simulations is used for energy analysis to produce a report. This is a more rigorous and time-consuming process, so it is more expensive but generally more accurate, which is essential for energy projects where technical accuracy is critical. This analysis is called the ASHRAE Level 2 Comprehensive Energy Audit, and the typical audit cost is $2,800 to $12,000, depending on the building size.